Plymovent Flex and UltraFlex Extraction Arms

Installation and User Manual

Introduction

This manual is intended for professional, trained, and authorized users to safely install, use, maintain, and repair the product. It includes important safety information, product descriptions, and technical specifications.

Product Description

The Plymovent Flex and UltraFlex arms are flexible extraction arms designed for capturing fumes and particles from welding and cutting processes. They feature the EasyLift friction system (Flex/Flex-4) or the Balance Wheel spring balancing system (UltraFlex/UltraFlex-4) for easy positioning. The arms are equipped with a RotaHood capture hood, which is 360° rotatable and includes a damper and a focus extraction spoiler to direct airflow.

Product Variants:

Flex-3 | Flex-4: Feature the EasyLift advanced friction system.
UltraFlex-3 | UltraFlex-4: Feature the Balance Wheel spring balancing system for user-friendly positioning.

Components:

The main components include:

Connection flange with swivel joint
Rubber cuff
Flexible hose
Arm section (wall/unit side)
Middle joint
Extraction hood (RotaHood)
Handle
Knob for damper control
Damper
Hood joint
Arm section (hood side)

Operation:

The arms can be used for mobile or stationary applications. In mobile use, the arm captures fumes via the hood and directs them to a mobile fume extraction unit. In stationary use, the fumes are directed to an extraction duct with a filter unit or directly outdoors.

Safety Precautions

General Safety:

The manufacturer is not liable for damage or injury caused by non-compliance with safety instructions.
Always follow local safety regulations and guidelines.
Ensure all users are familiar with this manual.
Never modify the product.
Keep the manual near the product.
Do not use the product under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
The product is not intended for use by children or individuals with reduced physical or mental capabilities unless supervised.

Intended Use:

The product is designed for extracting fumes and particles from common welding and cutting processes. Any other use is considered improper.

WARNINGS:

Fire Hazard: Do not use for polishing in combination with grinding, welding, or other spark-producing applications. Avoid suction of flammable, glowing, or burning particles/liquids, aggressive fumes, or dust/chips.
Explosion Hazard: Do not use for applications involving aluminum laser cutting, aluminum grinding, or situations with explosive substances/gases.
Do not use for suction of hot gases (above 70°C continuous), flame spraying, oil mist, or welding fumes with heavy oil mist.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Always wear appropriate PPE, including respiratory protection and gloves, during installation, operation, maintenance, and repair.

Installation

Installation should only be performed by trained and authorized installers. Ensure all necessary tools and materials are available. Follow the specific instructions for mounting on a mobile unit, wall brackets, or extension arm.

Installation Options:

Mobile Unit: Mount the swivel joint to the mobile unit using the provided bolts. Ensure correct orientation of the cable feed and pin.
Wall Brackets: Mount the wall brackets according to their specific manual. Attach the swivel joint to the wall brackets.
Extension Arm: Mount the swivel joint to the extension arm brackets.

WARNING: Do not remove the tape holding the arm sections together until the hood is fully assembled.

Assembly Steps:

Unpack the product and check for completeness.
Connect the arm sections using the flexible hoses and rubber cuffs, ensuring airtight connections.
For UltraFlex arms, install the anti-spring on the middle joint to protect the flexible hose.
Mount the hood to the U-part of the arm.
If a work lamp is included, connect the power cable.

Operation

Use the handle to position the extraction hood. The damper controls the airflow. All arm movements are controlled via the hood.

Controls:

A - Damper: Regulates airflow.
B - Handle: For positioning the arm.

Ensure the extraction unit is switched on before starting welding. Adjust the damper as needed. Move the hood to the correct position relative to the welding point. Switch off the extraction unit after welding is completed.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures long-term, problem-free operation. Follow the recommended maintenance intervals.

Periodic Maintenance Schedule:

Component	Action	Frequency (Months)
General (Outer surface)	Clean with a non-aggressive cleaning agent.	3 or 6
Flexible Hoses	Check for tears or damage. Replace if necessary.	3 or 6
General (Inner surface)	Clean thoroughly.	3 or 6
Damper	Check operation.	3 or 6
Hood Joint	Check horizontal and vertical movement. Clean or adjust friction if necessary (see section 6.2.1).	3 or 6
Swivel Joint	Lubricate the shaft (see section 6.3).	3 or 6
Steel Cables	Check for wear.	3 or 6
Flex-3 \| Flex-4 - Joint Points	Check and lubricate (see Fig. IV (C) on page 15).	3 or 6
Flex-3 \| Flex-4 - Middle Joint	Check friction. Adjust if necessary (see Fig. IV (A) on page 15).	3 or 6
UltraFlex-3 \| UltraFlex-4 - Joint Points	Check and lubricate (see Fig. V (C) on page 16).	3 or 6
UltraFlex-3 \| UltraFlex-4 - Steel Cable	Check and lubricate (see Fig. V (B) on page 16).	3 or 6
UltraFlex-3 \| UltraFlex-4 - Balance System	Check balance. Adjust if necessary (see Fig. V (A) on page 16).	3 or 6

Adjusting the Balance System:

If the arm does not stay in the desired position, adjust the friction and/or balance system. Follow the steps in section 6.2 to check and adjust the balance system.

Troubleshooting

Refer to the troubleshooting table for common issues and their solutions. Always follow safety precautions when performing troubleshooting steps.

Signal	Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
General	Insufficient extraction capacity	Damper closed	Open the damper.
		Torn or incorrectly installed flexible hose(s)	Replace hose(s) or install correctly.
		Torn or incorrectly installed cuff(s)	Replace cuff(s) or install correctly.
		Air leakage into the system	Seal the ductwork.
Extraction Hood	Hood not balanced	Insufficient friction	Adjust hood friction (see section 6.2.1).
		Spring tension too low	Increase spring tension (see section 6.2.3).
Entire Extraction Arm	Arm falls downwards	Insufficient friction	Increase friction (see section 6.2.2 for Flex arms, section 6.2.3 for wall/unit side arm).
		Spring tension too low	Increase spring tension (see section 6.2.3).
Arm Joint	Arm cracks or squeaks	Insufficient lubrication	Lubricate joint points (see Fig. IV (C) on page 15 for Flex-3/4, Fig. V (C) on page 16 for UltraFlex-3/4).
		Friction in middle joint due to aging	Clean the friction mechanism in the middle joint.
	Arm does not move smoothly	Too much friction	Adjust friction in the middle joint (see section 6.2.2 for Flex arms).
		Excessive wear of parts	Lubricate steel cable (see Fig. V (B) on page 16 for UltraFlex).
	Hood cannot be moved to the desired position	Too much friction	Adjust friction in the hood joint (see section 6.2.1).
	Arm does not stay in the desired position	Insufficient friction	Increase friction (see section 6.2.2 for Flex arms).
	Arm does not move smoothly	Too much friction	Adjust friction in the middle joint (see section 6.2.2 for Flex arms).
		Friction in middle joint due to aging	Clean the friction mechanism in the middle joint.
UltraFlex-3 \| UltraFlex-4	Arm cracks or squeaks	Insufficient lubrication	Lubricate joint points (see Fig. V (C) on page 16).
	Arm does not move smoothly; excessive wear of parts	Insufficient lubrication	Lubricate steel cable (see Fig. V (B) on page 16).

Spare Parts

Spare parts are available for the products. Refer to the exploded views and spare parts lists for identification.

Disposal

Dispose of the product at the end of its service life in accordance with local regulations and guidelines.